Timber Cruise Data Collection Workflow

1. A data manager, project manager, or analyst selects or creates cruise blocks and loads them into the cruise feature service with the appropriate default data (e.g., Block ID, crew, contractor name, and/or status).
2. A data manager, project manager, or analyst creates cruise-plot point features using their preferred methodology and saved these plots to the feature service with the appropriate default values (e.g., Plot ID, status, etc.), or field users determine the location and type of plot while in the field.
3. Before heading into the field, the cruiser connects the device to Wi-Fi and downloads block and plot data, and uses query and identify tools to determine where they should work
4. A cruiser selects a stand (identify tool) and uses navigation tools to travel to that block.
5. A cruiser selects a plot (identify tool) and uses navigation tools to travel to that plot.
6. A cruiser uses the edit tool to select a plot for editing, or creates a new plot, then collects plot level data.
7. A cruiser opens up the tree form and records trees, then closes the tree form.
8. A cruiser selects the next plot (identify tool) and uses navigation tools to travel to that plot.
9. When the cruiser returns from the field to a Wi-Fi connection, they upload their data and download any new stands/plots to be cruised.
10. A data manager, project manager or analyst reviews progress of cruise via ArcMap, ArcGIS Online or MB&G InventoryManager.

Variations on Standard Workflow

Stands created in the field - In this case, the cruiser uses the draw tool to manually define the stand prior to collecting data, or the cruiser uses the GPS tool and circumnavigates the stand, collecting vertices as they walk or drive the stand boundary. Once the stand is collected new plots are collected using the step below.

Individual plots created in the field - In this case, the cruiser uses the GPS tool to collect a new plot point at the plot location and then proceeds with standard data collection.

Plot layout completed in the field - In this case, the cruiser uses the Plot Layout tool to create a regular grid of plots using a range of settings including the minimum and maximum plots per stand, the desired plot density and the layout pattern.  See Plot Layout tool for more information on using this tool.

Plot locations updated in the field – Even when plots are created in advance, their locations can be updated with the actual sample locations, as determined when the cruiser uses the GPS tool to collect a new plot point at the plot location, and then proceeds with standard data collection.

GPS tracking of cruise travel path - A cruiser can use the tracking tool to record all travel on the stand in order to provide more detailed information on how they cruised the stand to the project manager.

Proximity Alert to identify plot center – A cruiser can set a proximity alert to notify them when they are within a certain distance to their selected plot. A typical approach is to set the proximity alert to 10 feet. When the alert sounds, plot center has been reached and the cruiser begins to record data.